iOS 6 Limits Prominent Features on iPhone 3GS

As we all know, the iOS 6 update went live early this morning at approximately 1.05am (Singapore time). While many have clamored to download and install the latest update, not all compatible devices will be getting the promised 200+ features. We first highlighted this in the article here - for e.g., a closer look has revealed how much some of the more exciting features will be left out, case in point, the new 3D Flyover feature and turn-by-turn voice navigation within Apple's new Maps app, on older devices such as the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4.

What has changed since the iOS 6 was last revealed? Are certain features now supported on older iDevices? Unfortunately, things have stayed the same except for well, the addition of both iPhone 5 and iPod Touch 5th Gen. To rehash, all features supported across the board, with the exception of the iPhone 3GS, include:

Chinese service integration

Facebook integration

Safari tab syncing

Dedicated signatures for email accounts

Shared Photo Streams

VIP inbox

Unfortunately, prominent features like Siri and FaceTime over cellular make an appearance on the new iPad but not the iPad 2. While the iPhone 3GS has been completely eradicated from the line, it can be updated to iOS 6 - but sparingly so. The iPhone 3GS does not get: Shared Photo Streams, FaceTime over cellular, 3D Flyover or turn-by-turn navigation features of the new Maps app, Panorama mode or the offline reading list feature. And there's more of course:

Ars Technica - "Features from older iOS versions that didn't make it to the 3GS are still not present in iOS 6: these include location-based Reminders (iPhone 4 and newer), WiFi Personal Hotspot (iPhone 4 and newer), FaceTime (iPhone 4 and newer), AirPlay Mirroring (4S and newer) and Siri (iPhone 4S and newer)."

Other small things users who have updated to iOS 6 should note is the removal of the native YouTube app. A good alternative would be to download Google's YouTube app from the App Store. Unfortunately, the app is currently available only for iPhone and iPod Touch devices. YouTube is still working on optimizing the app for iPad, which should be available in the coming months.

Do also note that the Google Maps also has been replaced by Apple's own Maps app with a 3D mode called Flyover and a host of other built-in functions.